Trenton, NJ – Yesterday, First Lady Mary Pat Christie joined more than two-thousand Girl Scouts from across the Garden State to kick- off the 100th Anniversary celebration of the organization with a ceremonial “bridging” over the George Washington Bridge, symbolizing the transition into a new century of Girl Scouting. The organization marks its 100-year milestone on March 12, 2012.

“This centennial celebration is special for me because Girls Scouts have been a part of my life from the time I was a Brownie growing up in Paoli to being the mom of two Girl Scouts,” said Mrs. Christie, who is the Honorary Chair of the Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary celebration in New Jersey. “By participating in Girl Scouts, young girls have an opportunity to develop and learn important life skills that encourage integrity, confidence and leadership – qualities that are an integral part of inspiring pride and future success for the young women of tomorrow.”

Additionally, for the month of November, the lights on the George Washington Bridge will be lit green to commemorate the Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary.

Bridging is a traditional ceremony that recognizes a Girl Scout’s progression and growth. Typically, girls walk across a bridge to denote the passage from one level of Girl Scouting to another. This 100th Anniversary represents moving into a new century of empowering Girl Scouts to make the world a better place. There are more than 140,000 active Girl Scout members in New Jersey.

New Jersey’s four Girl Scout councils, which consist of Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey, Girl Scouts of Central & Southern New Jersey, Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey and Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, have combined their efforts for this year’s anniversary celebrations.

To learn more about the council, the 100thAnniversary, and upcoming events visit www.girlscouts100nj.org.